Lance Parker, a 2003 Appalachian State University Graduate, qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon trials by placing seventh at the California International Marathon.

Former ASU Runner Qualifies for U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials
by Reynolds Patterson (Sports Information Intern)

January 10, 2006 - Former Appalachian State University cross country athlete Lance Parker became the first alum since 1984 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Marathon trials on December 2nd when he placed seventh and was the second American to cross the finish line at the California International Marathon in Sacramento, Calif. with a time of 2:19.44.

The U.S. Olympic trials will be held at the New York Marathon in November 2008.

The last Appalachian Alum to qualify for the Olympic Marathon trials was ASU’s 10,000-meter record holder Carlton Law who qualified at the 1984 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:14.84

Parker, a 2003 graduate of Appalachian, was a standout athlete during his career as a Mountaineer. Parker was a valuable asset during the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons when ASU claimed Southern Conference titles in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track. Parker contributed to the feat by winning individual titles in all six SoCon meets during the two seasons.

Parker also earned recognition for his academic accomplishments while succeeding on and off the track. He made the Southern Conference honor roll for his academic achievement and received the Brakefield award, given to the graduating senior student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average. Parker graduated with a 3.9 GPA and a degree in Banking and Finance. Parker was also awarded the ASU scholar-athlete ring for maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher throughout his career at Appalachian and was given a prestigious post-graduate scholarship by the NCAA along with former teammate Derrick Williamson.

Williamson and Parker continue to remain close as they both currently reside in Texas. Parker teaches at Lake Travis High School outside of Austin, while Williamson is continuing his studies at the University of Texas at Austin and coaches Parker in his marathon training.